I was leafing through Friendster last night and I thought I’d look at those of my childhood friends. They aren’t all in cyberspace as some find the Internet as too innovative. Creating a Friendster account would be too much for them to do. There were profiles like those of Renelyn’s (Gleng), Rhodora’s (Doray), Desiree Lou’s (Lot), Arbel’s & Aida’s, Dulce’s that steered me to look back and reminisce. They all look too grown up as children make up their lives now. Looking at their photographs reminds me of the old days and how it used to be. I realize how long it has been since we basked in each other’s presence. I couldn’t help but become poignant as I glance at the images of their children. A little over 10 years ago, these kids weren’t even thought of.
After high school, and even in college, we believed we wouldn’t come to a point where we’d have to part ways. As everyone else did, we all had to find ourselves and make the most out of life, even if that involved separation from each other. They are my friends who I consider my family—friends who became part of my life that in a way, helped shape me into who and what I am.
My mother passed on when I was 11. The remaining years were spent with my father. My sister married when I was 14. I had no other family member my age to share my growing up years. My friends had to cover that part. They became my family.
Through the years I’ve met and became acquainted with new people who eventually became my good friends—friends from school, work, and church. I knew then as I know now that wherever I go, the people I meet and become close with will have one way or the other, an effect in my life. Moreover, each of them plays a role in my growth as an individual.
Meeting new people and making friendships are inevitable component of our existence. They come and go. Heaven knows when we will have the privilege of reunion again.
This time, one of my colleagues and a close friend will return to her beloved home in Cagayan de Oro. Ting has resigned from her job as part of the Call Center bandwagon for a little over four years. We took the same route on our way home. We spent jeepney rides (sometimes cab rides) together. To make a long story short, she, as did my acquaintances from before, took part of that wonderful and miraculous course of friendship with me. I count the making of friendship a miracle for even if the process consists of just a few months; the quality can be as good as friendships made in years. Ting is no different from my old friends. She knows me inside out as they do. We laughed & shared serious matters together the same way as those friends of mine and I laughed and shared tears years before. This is what makes life gratifying. This cycle of making friends and creating memories make most of our probation here in this world.
The process sees itself in action as Ting and I part ways. As always, I thank God for memories. The times shared—the meaningful discussions, the humor, the idle conversations—all are now sealed and wrapped up in the memoirs of life. Even if reality suggests that we see each other again in the future, the “call center friendship” episode has ended. I can never see Ting come in to the same door, sit on the same station, and eat at the same pantry again. Furthermore, I will never be sharing jeepney rides with her again on the same route.
We still have another getaway this coming weekend together with Ting and the team. After that, the tangible will turn into intangible. We can do nothing but hold on to memories—intangible as it is. Just as my relationship with my old friends became discolored through the years because of absence, the same may come to pass with my friendship with Ting. Nevertheless, just as with all my friends whom I haven’t seen for a very long time, sweet remembrances will be shared if God permits our paths to cross again.
I will forever be thankful for the friendship Ting and I made in the short time of knowing each other. I hope that moving forward the friendship will remain as sweet and meaningful as it is now. Ting, my friend, will always have a special place in my heart.
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